Hi everyone:

There have been questions and concerns raised on the unofficial Wolf Creek social media pages regarding the anticipated completion of the pool project.  Some are concerned the pool will not open until sometime in June. Here is the situation as it presents this date.

The pool project had some delays due to the rain and the supplier issues for the coping. Additional problems were found after demolition that required repair. Wolf Creek continues to coordinate with the contractor to find additional steps to make up for lost time.

As I mentioned in the initial Week 7 update, a second crew will be added to install the interlocking pavers in the pool area. This will cut the installation time in half and hopefully make up for the time lost or close to it.

Concerns from residents were also expressed that the timing of the project was poorly planned.  One of the most important factors in determining when to begin the repair is weather. Our pool is utilized and busy up to and through October. The weather is usually warm in October.  Thus, the only dates to start this project without major weather issues is February 1 or beyond.

This project began February 2nd. Even so, we had a week delay due to weather. Starting later in November, December or January is not an option as the weather is damp and extremely cold at night which would impact the curing of the concrete and plaster.

So, when will the project be completed?  I can’t provide a specific date but at the same time I don’t see it being any later than on or near May 1, 2015.  The longest aspect of the project at this point is the 10 days required for the plaster in the pool to cure prior to filling with water. That time is dependent on weather..

I hope this additional information restores the faith of our resident’s that this was well planned. In any construction project of this size, supply delays, weather delays, new problems found requiring additional repair cause delays.

Please keep in mind that repairing someone else’s work is much more difficult to predict than starting a project from the beginning. It is impossible to anticipate all of the problems until you complete demolition and observe what is or is not properly installed. Permits and inspections change as the work order changes occur.

The Wolf Creek Board thanks everyone for their patience as we complete this huge project.  The Board is confident that once you see and enjoy the finished product, you will pleased.

Board members Brad Sullivan and Ray McLaughlin attended a meeting with two council-members (Rahn and Naggar: both former Wolf Creek Residents), the City Manager and Assistant Manager, the chief of police and supervisors (2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants) for the Temecula Police Department.  Also present were the crime prevention officers’ for our area, the volunteer that leads the TCC (Temecula Citizen’s Corp), as well a resident of Wolf Creek that is a prosecutor with the Riverside County District Attorney Office.

The goal of the meeting was to bring all parties to the table regarding criminal activity in Wolf Creek as well as the City of Temecula; formulate and implement solutions and track results. We found the city to be highly engaged, possessing a detailed analysis of our issues with all in attendance highly motivated to succeed in resolving the issues to the extent possible.

The Chief opened the meeting with a report of the issues and the resources being utilized to manage them.  It was mutually agreed that this issue cannot be addressed by the city or residents’ alone, but as a team. He reported that the majority of crime stats in Temecula were down in 2014 vs 2013 and holding for the first quarter of 2015 with the exception of burglaries.

The Chief reported that specialized patrol and observations were occurring but could not elaborate on the methods being utilized. The issue of increased visibility and patrol were addressed by the committee. The committee discussed the concerns of residents that state they have lived in Wolf Creek for years and haven’t seen a black and white patrolling the neighborhood. The Chief responded that the Temecula PD responded to 400 calls for service last month in Wolf Creek and Redhawk combined and that marked patrol units responded the majority of time. He also pointed out that criminal activity statistically occurs with more frequency, not when residents are leaving for work or coming home, it occurs while they are away from home. Thus increased patrols occur during those hours.

The committee further discussed the frustration of residents and their desire to get involved. It was discussed and agreed that the more eyes and ears in the area the better results. Several programs were discussed to achieve that goal. All present agreed that neighborhood watch programs were vital to reduce the criminal activity and it was suggested that to maintain interest, further training on issues involved and meetings involving each block should occur at least quarterly as well as collective meetings of all watch groups for best practice discussions. Everyone agreed that communication in electronic medium needs improvement to create and maintain the effectiveness and participation in the program.

The two council members raised the issue of creating a local smart phone app to report criminal activity directly to the PD using the camera on your phone to provide visual documentation. Mr Rahn mentioned a program used in San Diego and New York and Mr Naggar mentioned a program currently being utilized by residents in Lake Elsinore. They both will provide this information to the Wolf Creek Board for discussion. In furthering the potential of a program using phone apps, the issue of communicating throughout the community the program and its uses came up. It was suggested that signs be made and installed throughout the community for residents walking or exercising in the community can stimulate both awareness and interest. Temecula has a specific number for reporting incidents that are not 911 level directly to Temecula PD. That number is 951-696-HELP ( 4357 ). The City Manager will discuss this recommendation with the City Attorney to advise if this would violate any Municipal Codes. It is not in the City’s budget to purchase these signs however the HOA Board members present agreed to take this back to the Board for possible HOA financial sponsorship.

Addressing increased patrol visibility by residents was discussed. Residents can volunteer to participate in the Civilian Patrol program by filling out a volunteer application at the TCC website. In order to participate, you must pass a background check, obtain all required training and be registered as a Disaster Preparedness worker. It was noted that volunteers patrol designated areas to add to the eyes and ears of the Police. They patrol in marked Ford Escort vehicles and are connected by radio to the Police. Volunteers volunteer time per week, but cannot designate the area they patrol. That is determined by the police.

The increased number of arrests in the past several weeks for home burglaries in Wolf Creek and Redhawk was discussed. In regards to the arrest of suspects involved on Logger Trail in Wolf Creek, four of the seven suspects were minors age 15 and attend Great Oak High School. Prop 47 was also discussed which permits many of this level criminals to avoid arrest and receive a summons.

The issue of soliciting and recyclable thefts from trash cans on the street was discussed. A recent court decision has overturned Municipal Codes that defined articles in the container at the curb as property of the resident. As of now, it is not illegal to go through and remove recyclables.  Further, everyone should step up to protect their identity information in the trash as that too is now fair game when at the curb. Regarding aggressive solicitors, the Chief pointed out that the activity on social media reporting these and criminal activities in Wolf Creek do not match up with the number or type of calls being made to the Police dispatch. The Chief asked that everyone be reminded to report anything suspicious as it is never too small of an issue. The Department uses 72 hour snapshots of all areas in Temecula to review all criminal activity in the area. Trends are looked for and patrol changes made accordingly.

The HOA Board members present offered the Chief of Police a permanent spot in our Community Newsletter and on our website. The Chief accepted the offer and will begin writing a “Chiefs Corner” article for each issue and forward any communication regarding Wolf Creek or Temecula issues for posting on our web page (mywolfcreek.com). If haven’t done so, please look for important information on a regular basis. In closing of the meeting, the Chief pointed out that for all of the above to succeed; it must be a continuous effort to be effective. He urges residents to keep their garages closed, porch and carriage lights on at night, all windows and doors closed and locked when you are not home. He further related to his own neighbor across the street from him that continues on a regular basis to leave his home dark and his garage door open all night. The Chief continues to discuss his concern with the neighbor and has sought support from surrounding neighbors to point out that these concerns not only effective the safety of the owner’s property and family, but to those in the community as it is an open invitation to criminals. One of the officers present reminded everyone that at the December 2014 Wolf Creek Safety meeting, one resident advised that they work in the Jail System in Riverside County and reported that the criminals felt it was their right and an open invitation if you make it so easy for them to steal.

In closing, Wolf Creek resident Leslie Lawson and the Wolf Creek Lifestyle Corporation are co-sponsoring a Community Safety Fair at the Community Center parking lot on Saturday May 16, 2015 from 11am to 2pm.

The council members present advised they would attend as did the Chief of Police and the management staff of the department. They ask that you please reach out to them at this event to discuss concerns and solutions to issues involving Wolf Creek.

At the Safety Fair, Leslie Lawson is sponsoring children finger printing for parents to keep and have in the event a child goes missing. Many first responder vehicles will be on site for kids to view and sit in including patrol cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, ambulance and more. The police department will have all of their pamphlets available and reminds us that the Crime Prevention unit offers free home inspections to advise you of areas you could improve for your family safety and protection of your property. It was suggested that neighbors collaborate and arrange for 6 to 8 homes on the block to participate. The crime prevention officers will then schedule the reviews with owners at the same time and answer any concerns regarding improving safety on your block. To take advantage of this important inspection, please call the crime prevention unit at (951) 506-5132.

As is typical in any major repair or construction project, there is good news and bad news.

In the bad news category, during epoxy repair of the initially discovered 250 linear feet of cracks in the pool another 125 linear feet was discovered during the process. The crack repairs are now completed. The coping surrounding the three pools has been custom ordered due to the color chosen. The manufacturer requires several weeks to make the stones as they must be poured with appropriate dye levels for an even look, baked and then set aside for a couple of weeks to properly harden for installation.  The coping was ordered approximately six weeks ago and the blocks for the main pool have been installed. The manufacturer did not pour the stones for the wader pool or spa at the same time and has advised the stones will not be delivered until late Friday of this week or Monday.

The contractor has called for a pre-pour inspection of the 3’ cement surround required by code around the pool. The rebar is installed and will be inspected in the next week.

As a result of these delays, it is making it much more difficult to meet the April 15th completion date. The contractor has promised to bring in a second crew to speed up installation of the interlocking pavers. The pavers cannot be installed until the 3’ concrete pour surrounding the pools is complete to determine appropriate level of the pavers.  The pavers are due for delivery on site this week.

All of the return flow leaks have been found and repaired and the pressure test continues to demonstrate no further loss of water from the pipes.

The pool water line tiles and depth tiles are on site and installation will begin this week.

The final large issue for the pools is the re-plastering.  Once the plaster is installed, it requires a minimum of 10 days of warm dry weather to properly bond and dry. We have completed the demolition and repair cycle and are now in the rebuild cycle.

The Wolf Creek Maintenance Corporation Board meeting is tonight at 6 PM.  All homeowners are welcome to attend.  As a reminder, the agenda is attached below.

Due to a staff family emergency, the office and gym at the Association Community Center will be closed today at 5 PM.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding this closure, please contact Avalon Management.

Due to the rain over the weekend, the bobcat was too heavy to do much so it did cause a slight delay on the project.  Tomorrow it should be dry enough for the bobcat to come in and begin grading for base materials.  This week they will begin to trench for drainage.

Monday of next week,  the guys will be in there adding rebar around the bodies of water for the sub decking (under the pavers).

It is also anticipated the coping will be delivered next week and as soon as they receive it, they will be installing it around the pools and spa.  The coping right now is the most important aspect of the project right now because everything else (tile, plaster, & pavers) waits on that.